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Stafford presents update on interlocal animal shelter agreement with Houston Humane Society
Summary
Stafford staff updated council and the public on a May interlocal agreement with the Houston Humane Society for animal shelter services, describing intake, medical evaluation, transfer and outcomes and fielding questions about feral-cat trap-neuter-return pricing and how residents can find lost pets.
City staff and the Houston Humane Society (HHS) briefed the Stafford City Council on June 18 about the interlocal agreement under which HHS provides shelter services for animals taken into Stafford custody.
Public Works or animal-control staff member Scott McErath introduced the update and said the city began the new agreement May 22. He said 14 animals had been transferred to HHS under the agreement and that four of those animals had positive outcomes (adoptions) so far.
Aaron Grady, director of operations at Houston Humane Society, described the shelter's intake, medical evaluation and behavior-enrichment processes. Grady said Stafford retains custody of animals for a required five-day hold; after five days the animals are transferred into HHS's system for medical evaluation, behavioral assessment and placement. HHS said it has veterinarians and a medical team and that shelter animals receive vaccinations, a medical work-up and behavioral assessment on intake. HHS reported a live-release rate in the mid-90s (94% for 2024; 95% year to date through May), and explained that animals with severe medical issues or serious aggression that cannot be mitigated are humanely euthanized.
The council and staff discussed how residents can find Stafford animals at HHS's adoptable pets pages and that the humane society is working on a direct link to identify Stafford animals. HHS said it offers a turnkey trap-neuter-return (TNR) service for feral cats at $80 per animal, which HHS representatives described as covering spay/neuter, ear-tipping and related care.
Council members and others praised the agreement and the shelter's programs. Council members asked about costs and whether the city could help fund TNR work; staff said budget matters could be discussed during departmental budgeting and that the city retained the capacity to refer residents to HHS services. Council members also suggested public education and promotion of the HHS partnership; staff said the city's multimedia team filmed a short informational video and that the video and related materials would be published to social channels.
No formal council action was recorded on June 18; staff described the briefing as an informational update and said there was "no action" on the agenda item. Several council members encouraged community outreach, adoption events and volunteer recruiting for fostering to supplement shelter capacity.
